Bittersweet Chocolate Coated Truffles
Source: Recipes from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company of San Francisco
Makes : 12

Basic Truffle Recipe:
4 ounces Ghirardelli Bittersweet Chocolate
2 tablespoons butter, cut up
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 tablespoons liqueur (to 2 tbsp)

Chocolate Coating for Truffles:
4 ounces Ghirardelli Bittersweet Chocolate
2 tsp. peanut oil (or almond or walnut oil)

2 teaspoons finely chopped peanuts, almonds, or walnuts

For Truffles:
In double boiler, melt broken chocolate, stirring constantly. (Or microwave 2 1/2 to 3 minutes on medium.) Remove chocolate from heat; blend in butter. Stir in cream, then liqueur. Combine with chopped nuts or candied fruit if desired. Chill 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently until thick enough to hold a shape. Drop by heaping teaspoon or #70 scoop onto foil lined baking pan. Shape round, if desired. Cover and freeze 20-30 minutes to set truffles firm for dipping with chocolate. For a variety of truffles, repeat the recipes using liqueurs such as Grand Marnier, Amaretto, Kahlua, or Creme de Menthe.

For Coating:
Melt chocolate as directed in basic truffle recipe. Remove from heat and stir in oil. Cool chocolate to 85-90-F for dipping. Dip cold, firm truffle into melted chocolate, holding with a fork and spooning with several coats of chocolate. Place each onto foil lined baking pan. Decorate top with nuts, candied fruit, etc.

Chill at least 2 hours to set chocolate. Roll in Ghirardelli Ground Chocolate, if desired. Place into tight container and store in cool, dry place to age for several days. Coats 12 truffles.